Why you really should be listening to... Little Simz

The London rapper has taken things up a notch with latest record "Grey Area", and with two other studio releases in the bag, plus unmissable live shows to boot, it's time to begin your obsession with one of the UK's finest solo acts.

Last updated: 15th Jul 2019

Originally published: 8th Jul 2019

Simbiatu "Simbi" Abisola Abiola Ajikawo aka Little Simz is a rapper/singer/actress and beyond all that, she's "a boss in a fucking dress." At least, that's what she claims on 'Boss', the second single to be released from Simz's third album, Grey Area - a record which is undoubtedly one of 2019's best (and a major factor in why you really should be listening to Little Simz).

Album three sees the Londoner demonstrate a fearless flow across ten tracks that are all killer and no filler, taking pot shots at the world and anyone who wants to cross her with a quiet confidence that is well exhibited on opening track 'Offence' ("I'm Jay-Z on a bad day, Shakespeare on my worst days. Never been a punk, trust you can get it in the worst way. Fuck it, lemme get a birthday cake and it ain't even my birthday").

Further into the record is 'Venom', which does exactly what it says on the tin in terms of attacking misogyny in music ("fuck those who don't believe, they would never wanna admit I'm the best here, from the mere fact that I've got ovaries").

Alongside the aforementioned 'Boss' and 'Offence' are the album's two other singles '101 FM' and 'Selfish'; the former a hooky hip hop banger, the latter a subtle soul groove with an impossibly catchy refrain. Across these four releases the ability of Simz to easily switch styles is there for all to see.

Away from her 2019 release, there is plenty of joy to be had in Little Simz's preceding releases: A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons in 2015 and its swift follow up, Stillness In Wonderland, both of which are early, shining examples of the rappers fast flow, wit and fearlessness.

Her debut was released via her independent label, AGE: 101 Music, hitting number 20 on the UK R&B Albums Chart and 43 on the UK Independent Albums Chart, while her sophomore effort was followed up with a huge support slot on Gorillaz' Humanz tour, and a feature on there track 'Garage Palace'.

Unblinking and unflinching as a live performer, Simz never misses a beat, and brings both emotion and an effortless cool to her shows which, with three albums to pick from, flow satisfyingly well.

Check out our 'Why you really should be listening to... Little Simz' Spotify playlist below - you'll thank us later.

Image: Jack Bridgland